Im good with Windows, but I want to become better

[Cyber Akuma]

First of all, I want to say that I am not new to computers, so I am not looking for something that will assume you barely know how to turn a system on or use a mouse, or are unfamiliar with standard concepts such as copy and paste and so forth.

I've been using Windows and DOS for over a decade now, so mostly my experiences are limited to the Windows GUI and the DOS CLI, as well as performed dozens of hardware upgrades and system builds.

So basically, I am pretty decent with Windows, installed the client version dozens of times from 95 to 7, know a fair amount of keyboard shortcuts, and have done my fair share of registry tweaks and troubleshooting.

However, I still don't have much experience with some of the more advanced administrative tasks, such as being familiar with the services, some of the more advanced administration tools (other than msconfig), recognizing what most of the services and processes do and are for, knowing more about the registry, etc.

Basically, I want to learn more advanced usage of Windows beyond what I already know, be far more familiar with the OS and how to troubleshoot it or repair infections/security problems. It doesn't help that while I am good with computer software and hardware, I know extremely little about computer networking. I considered studying for MCSE after finishing my A+ and Networking+ books, but there are several different types of MCSE certifications and I am not sure which is what.

Anyway, so what sites, or preferably, books would you recommend on this subject?

[ceminess]

Going into Networking is the right choice, think about looking into getting a CCNA. Also I believe the best way to learn more about windows is building a server.

I suggest you look into building an exchange server and also learn about Active Directory. If you really want to become a strong tech you'll eventually want to dabble into scripting. Scripting can make mundane tasks quick and efficient.

I would suggest you first look into learning more about networking while also learning more about Microsoft server.

Sorry I can't point you into the direction of sites or books. I am self taught and just googled issues I had along the way. If you can afford them getting certifications are a good way to learn. I'm sure some other neowinians can point you into the right direction as far as books and/or sites.

[Colin-uk Veteran]

if you go to the sypbot forums and start reading the threads there, they should give you some good information on spotting infections and getting rid of them.

how do you not know much about networking after reading a networking + book? :p

I guess you could consider studying for an MCP (less intense than an MCSE but you still learn a lot).

other than that i would say, mess about with your system and see what works when you do what, break stuff and then fix it :D or search google for tweak guides and see what they do if anything or if they have much difference.

[SyntaxError]

Learn how to make a custom unattended install disc. Your knowledge of XP and the registry will explode.

[WhoTheF]

Alt+Ctrl+Del

[sc302 Veteran]

to become good and cleaning a computer:

infect a machine heavily and clean it without wiping it. you will learn what to and not to do. might take a few dozen tries before you actually get everything.

to become good at networking:

build a network using nothing but the cli (i find this better as you actually learn what the gui is doing, once you know the commands you can use the same commands with other switches to help you troubleshoot vs going this crap is broke let me format to fix). learn what ping, netstat, and tracert are and do and the different switches that they have.

look at packets on your network by using wireshark, find out what they mean, look at the different areas in wireshark and become familiar with them (just about all packet sniffers are the same, they just have different views to make them easier to read). get a malware infected machine on your network and see what kind of packets that thing spews. you will start to see what one looks like and be able to determine fairly quickly which pc's on the network are infected and quite possibly what type of infection it is.

imo, learn by experiance vs what a book tells you. you could be plenty book smart but not be able to do much of anything other than plug in the ethernet cable. just because you understand the theory or can pass a test doesn't necessarily mean you know what you are doing. once you figure out how and why things are happening you can read up and pass the predetermined, if everything lines up right with this sceneri,o which would be the best answer, and if you pass you be come certified test. in the real world, not everything lines up the way it does in the test, there are more variables than what those test can actually test you on. Learn the basics, then expand on the basics, they will get you further than any study guides or test out there. Tests are for the companies that have college grads and feel that you need to pass a test to be in with them. Also keep your mind open and dont take a job that you can't handle (I know of at least one user here who is in over his head).